Technical Machining Services Inc.

Technical Machining Services Inc. of Rogers took off when Robert Brown opened it in 1986.

The company, which designs and builds special equipment and tools for the electric motor industry and other customers, has ballooned from $8,000 in sales its first year to more than $10 million in 2001. Also during that period, it has grown from from one employee to 63.

The business grew so quickly because of the demand, Brown said.

“The demand was [so high] that it forced me to grow the business,” he said. “[The company] has grown at a rate that it takes care of itself.”

Hard work and dedicated employees account for the company’s success, Brown said.

“I take care of my employees, [and] I take care of my customers, and really they take care of the company,” he said.

Some of TMS’ customers include Maybelline Cosmetics, Emerson Electric and General Electric.

To beat the competition, TMS gives customers the quality and the delivery they expect, Brown said.

“You do it repeatedly, and that’s how you beat the competition,” he said.

The company, which is in six buildings with about 40,000 SF, has come a long way from the days when Brown worked out of his garage.

Brown said he did woodworking as a hobby after work, but it turned into building containers he sold. From there, he dived into the metalworking business, which turned into a full-time job.

Brown also owns eight other businesses. In 2001, he was named the Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration.